The Second Day

Pastor Wesley, or by nickname DeJoy (I have to work on calling him this! I love it), picked me up Friday without Hawa. I asked to go shopping as I did not really have an appropriate outfit to be a graduation speaker. Hawa took my picture and showed me some African dresses and committed to bringing me something wonderful to wear.
I was tasked with teaching 3/4 today. The kids the day prior had said well if Jaye goes to the class without a teacher, then our teacher should teach another class so ours is empty of a teacher. Sweet but I don't want to offend the teacher, Clarence! We did lots of spelling, phoenics, and addition. Then we pulled 1/2 graders over for story time (thank you for your donations and those lovely Arch books). We read about Jesus telling the disciples

to cast their fishing nets one more time even though they had fished all night with no success.
Recess was a tiny bit calmer but the girls were brave enough finally to touch my hair. After that, I was mostly groomed haha. Smoothing my hair over and over, studying the hair on my neck, worrying over my dirty feet.
Next was chapel (guess who did the message??) - it was sweet but chaotic, run by the students. Then it was PE! There was much cheering over a brand new soccer ball (not provided by me) Dejoy says the girls play baseball but they kick the ball instead of batting. I said "kickball?" He did not know we had a name for it. Those girls are strong - one even kicking the ball up into a palm tree. One of

the kids had to climb the tree to get it down. While the girls played, the boys had a very small soccer (sorry, football) they played with and they invited me to to play with them. After that they got to have a "real" football match. Rough and tumble, many of them playing in their socks.
Many of the kids cling to me, when I walk from place to place, I feel I have an entourage. Children elbowing to hold my hand or touch me while we walk. Most of them have never seen a white person and I am intriguing. I jokingling say that I might be getting a marriage proposal soon from a 10 year old boy who gazes lovingly at me all day and walks to the car at the end of the day. It is disconcerting - it isn't really me, it is the novelty of it all.

I had a nice break after a long day at school - with no power. I can't complain as it was still nice to wash my feed and lay down. And I could cook my eggs over a gas stove.
I found divine inspiration at about 5 pm for my "sharing a word" at the revival at 7 pm. :) I decided to share how pursuing my passion was delayed by a tumor. I used the verse I believe God gave me during that time - Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Your God will fight for you, you need only be still. I got chocked up a little in sharing this personal testimony that I have kept fairly quiet. I talked about the light that scatters the darkness we feel in sorrow, shame, anger, fear. And it seemed fitting, as there was still no power and so I read by cell phone flashlight.

Also, Hawa brought me TWO dreses. One she bought - red with a head wrap that I wore tonight. but the other. Oh my gosh. She bought fabric and then went to a tailor and begged that he make the dress on the spot. I am so cared for. It is beautiful and I love it! I cannot figure out how to post pictures in this diary but will post at least on social media.
Also got a visit from Eddie's sister, niece and great nephew....baby Eddie. I got to meet Greta and Eddie's nephew before they do. A 7 month old - who at first of course thought what is going on when he looked at me.
Prayers;
* Graduation speech - clarity, strong voice, Holy Spirit's movement, let my words be God honoring

* "Preaching" on Sunday" - needing more divine inspiration.
* Continued relationship building